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How one student is taking on the world of fashion

26Aug2016

Friday 26 August 2016

Robert Tennent (Year 12, School House) is one step closer to becoming a Fashion Designer.

Tennent is taking the NCEA Fashion, Fabrics and Jewellery Design course at King’s College. His dream of designing and manufacturing his own clothing range is being realised thanks to the help of an Auckland fashion designer.

Christine Hobbs, Teacher of Fashion at King’s, introduced Tennent to designer Karen Zhang who owns her own store X-Plain, in Newmarket. Zhang met with Tennent and was impressed with his personable approach and talent and offered him the opportunity to manufacture his designs using her suppliers in China.

Zhang says she is happy that she can help Tennent out with this once in a lifetime opportunity.

“It is such an honour to be able to help in any way that I can,” says Zhang.

His designs will retail in Zhang’s Newmarket store. She has also invited Tennent backstage to her show at New Zealand Fashion Week.

Tennent is delighted and cannot believe all of his dreams are coming true.

“I can’t wait to get some designs to the manufacturers,” he says.

“It will be exciting to see them on sale in a shop. I’m learning so much so fast about being a fashion designer and what it involves.”

Tennent is already working on new garment designs that will soon be sent off to be produced. His brand will officially launch in 2017.

“I am so blessed to have a teacher that keeps me motivated, and I am also so grateful for all the help Ms. Zhang has given me.”